Congratulations are in order for Turtle the senior cat, who first arrived at Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society in 2007, and John Zahara, a volunteer and member of the Board of Trustees.

John adopted Turtle into her family as she deals with some serious health issues, but is letting her live out the rest of her days where she’s most comfortable: at the shelter that she’s called home for much of that time.

Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society wrote on Facebook that Aug. 22 was a “BIG day for Turtle,” and here’s that story:

Turtle first came to Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society December 1, 2007. Since then, this special girl had been adopted a handful of times, but none of them were forever. All her life, she has dealt with multiple health issues, but through it all, has always been a giant ray of sunshine to the people that know her best.

After being dealt with yet another curve ball health-wise, one of her biggest admirers, and a member of the Lucy Mackenzie family, John Zahara, wanted her to know just how loved she is. He adopted her knowing that she would be most comfortable remaining at the shelter where she’s lived the majority of her life surrounded by all her friends. Nobody knows just how many days Turtle has left, but she now proudly asks that everyone address her as Turtle Zahara and she will live every single moment knowing how very much she is loved by her new Dad.

Turtle the cat. Photo courtesy Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society.

It’s not a particularly traditional adoption, but a very special one, because it means that Turtle has a family member until the very end, whenever that may be, and it’s a statement that she is worthy of adoption. <3 And for now, she gets to do what she knows best: rule the shelter, where John is an active volunteer!